Grandmother'S Sweet Potato Pie

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy sweet potato pie with warm spices, perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering a comforting dessert with a nostalgic flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar with mashed sweet potatoes.
  2. Beat eggs; add soda to buttermilk and mix with eggs.
  3. Combine the egg mixture with the sugar and sweet potatoes.
  4. Add remaining ingredients: butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
  5. Pour the filling into 2 unbaked deep crust pie shells.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 300°F and bake for an additional 60 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For an even creamier texture, consider using freshly cooked sweet potatoes instead of canned. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or use fresh vanilla beans instead of extract. This pie can also be made with a gluten-free crust for those needing gluten-free options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet potato pie warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a side of spiced pecans or a simple salad for a delightful contrast. This pie is a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings or family dinners, alongside classics like Pig-Licken Cake.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandmother'S Sweet Potato Pie contains roughly 520 calories, with 9g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

520 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.8g 18% DV
Total Fat 21.8g 28% DV
Carbs 70.8g 26% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 3.8g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 315.7mg 14% DV
Potassium 1709.9mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 10.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 30mg 33% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 229mg 18% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of sweet potatoes for this pie?

Yes, you can use different varieties of sweet potatoes, but the flavor and texture might vary. Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes are great choices as they are naturally sweeter and have a smooth texture, perfect for pies. Just ensure they are well-cooked and mashed for the best results.

What can I do if my pie crust is too soggy?

If your pie crust turns out soggy, try pre-baking it for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps set the crust and creates a barrier that prevents moisture from seeping in. Alternatively, you can brush the crust with a thin layer of beaten egg before baking to add an extra layer of protection.

How can I tell when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can insert a knife into the filling; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pie is ready. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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